Why did the Lord give these two revelations--sections 39 and 40? (See headings of both sections)

. Perhaps they served as part of the young prophet's (25 years old at the time) own education and refinement. Later, such experience allowed him to draw insights like this:

"It is a great thing to inquire at the hands of God, or to come into His presence; and we feel fearful to approach Him on subjects that are of little or no consequence, to satisfy the queries of individuals, especially about things the knowledge of which men ought to obtain in all sincerity, before God, for themselves, in humility by the prayer of faith; and more especially a teacher or a High Priest in the Church.

I speak these things not by way of reproach, but by way of instruction; and I speak as if acquainted with you, whereas we are strangers to each other in the flesh. I love your soul, and the souls of the children of men, and pray and do all I can for the salvation of all."    Kirtland, April 13, 1833   (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.22)

Definition of a "disciple" (41:5)

. By the same token, we understand what constitutes discipleship to other masters besides the Lord

Missionaries should work in companionships and teach principles contained in the Bible and in the Book of Mormon (6-7,12-13)

. They should also teach church covenants and articles (i.e. rules, policies or stipulations)
. Why not teach the principles contained in the Doctrine and Covenants?

There must be order in the church, to avoid false preachers (11)

. Have I told you the story of the "Bolivian missionary"?

What is "the fulness of the gospel"? (12)

"The fulness of the gospel consists in those laws, doctrines, ordinances, powers, and authorities needed to enable men to gain the fulness of salvation. Those who have the gospel fulness do not necessarily enjoy the fulness of gospel knowledge or understand all of the doctrines of the plan of salvation. But they do have the fulness of the priesthood and sealing power by which men can be sealed up unto eternal life. The fulness of the gospel grows out of the fulness of the sealing power and not out of the fulness of gospel knowledge.

On the other hand, the preparatory gospel is a lesser portion of the Lord's saving truths, a portion which prepares and schools men for a future day when the fulness of the gospel may be received, a portion which of itself is not sufficient to seal men up unto eternal life or assure them an inheritance in the celestial world. ...

Our revelations say that the Book of Mormon contains the fulness of the gospel. This is true in the sense that the Book of Mormon is a record of God's dealings with a people who had the fulness of the gospel, and therefore the laws and principles leading to the highest salvation are found recorded in that book. In the same sense the Bible and the Doctrine and Covenants contain the fulness of the gospel.

As President John Taylor expressed it, the scriptures "are simply records, histories, commandments, etc. The gospel is a living, abiding, eternal, and unchangeable principle that has existed co-equal [i.e. coeval] with God, and always will exist, while time and eternity endure, wherever it is developed and made manifest." (Gospel Kingdom, p. 88.) The fulness of the gospel cannot be preserved in the written word. The scriptures bear record of the gospel, but the gospel itself consists in the power of the priesthood and the possession of the gift of the Holy Ghost."   (Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p.333)

. So, what is the difference between "fulness of the gospel" and "fulness of gospel knowledge"?

Several ancient commandments reiterated for our dispensation:  (18-27,40-42)

• Not kill
• Not steal
• Not lie
• Not lust
• Not adulterate
• Not speak evil or do any harm
• Not be proud
• Not be idle

Obedience to the Lord is a demonstration of love (29)

Remember the poor by consecrating properties for their support, and do this by means of a unbreakable covenant (30-31)

. This is the beginning of the Law of Consecration and Stewardship

Video: Fundamental Principles of the Law of Consecration and Stewardship (YouTube - 2021)

Administration to sick persons with or without faith to be healed (43-44,48-52)

. Those who do not have faith to be healed must be supported; they are not lost to the Lord

Weep for those who die (45-47)

. Sweet and bitter deaths

The Lord states what kinds of revelation are likely to be given us, if we ask them in faith (61)

Bishoprics were originally supposed to be remunerated (71-73)

Every person who belong to the church of Christ will obey the law (78)

. If they don't want to obey, why would they want to be members?

How to deal with personal offenses (88-92)

• The Doctrine of the Priesthood and Gender Issues (2016)

• The Name of the Church (2018)

Questions for Review

1. According to Elder Bruce R. McConkie, what is the "fulness of the gospel"? (42:12; Lecture Notes)